Overview

The Panasonic BalancedHome™ Elite Plus+ 160 CFM ERV (FV-16VEC1S) is a side-port energy recovery ventilator designed for modern, airtight Canadian homes. It brings in filtered outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air, helping reduce condensation, odours, and indoor pollutants that can build up when homes are sealed for efficiency.

With independent supply and exhaust settings from 30 to 160 CFM and SmartFlow® ECM motors, this BalancedHome ERV delivers stable, code-compliant ventilation in any North American climate zone while recovering heat and moisture for comfort and efficiency.

Key features & benefits

• 30–160 CFM balanced airflow – Dial in the exact continuous ventilation rate your home needs, then use boost to reach up to 160 CFM during showers, parties or cooking.
• Side-port configuration with four 6" ducts – Horizontal 6" ports on the sides simplify duct routing in tight mechanical rooms and basements.
• Dual ECM motors with SmartFlow® technology – Two DC ECM brushless motors automatically adjust speed to maintain selected CFM against changing static pressure, helping meet design airflow in real-world installs.
• Any-climate frost protection – Built-in frost prevention modes and a hygroscopic core are engineered for use in Canadian winters, with performance tested down to sub-zero temperatures.
• MERV 13 filtration included – A high-efficiency MERV 13 filter on the supply air helps capture fine dust and allergens before outdoor air enters living spaces.
• Optional MERV 8 and washable MERV 6 filters – Choose lower-resistance or washable filter options when needed to match local conditions and maintenance preferences.
• Ceiling or wall mounting – Install with included wall/ceiling brackets or suspend by chains (sold separately) to suit new construction or retrofits.
• Integrated controls with boost – On-unit digital controls provide CFM selection, built-in ASHRAE 62.2 timing, and an occupant boost function when paired with an optional low-voltage timer or wall control.
• Canadian efficiency & code-ready – ENERGY STAR® certified for the Canadian market and suitable for meeting ASHRAE 62.2 and Ontario Building Code ventilation requirements.

Canadian use cases

• Airtight new builds and Net Zero–ready homes needing balanced ventilation and energy recovery.
• Detached Canadian homes and townhomes where 30–160 CFM covers most normal occupancy profiles.
• Heat pump and mini-split homes without a central furnace fan to move fresh air.
• Basements and mechanical rooms where a side-port ERV fits better than a top-port layout.
• Colder climates that demand frost-resistant ventilation with tested performance in sub-zero temperatures.
• Homes targeting programs like ENERGY STAR®, LEED or Indoor airPLUS with balanced ventilation requirements.

Need help choosing a Panasonic ERV?

If you are not sure whether this model is the right size or configuration for your project, check out our Best Panasonic ERV Systems in Canada (2025) guide for model comparisons and Canadian sizing examples.

Technical details

• Model: Panasonic BalancedHome™ 160 Elite Plus+ ERV, FV-16VEC1S (side port)
• Airflow range (adjustable): 30–160 CFM supply and exhaust
• Rated air volume: 160 CFM exhaust @ 0.4" SP, 160 CFM supply @ 0.4" SP (net airflows per CSA-C439 test data)
• Voltage / frequency / current: 120 V, 60 Hz, 3.1 A
• Motors: two DC ECM brushless motors, continuous-duty, with integrated SmartFlow® control
• Duct connections: four 6" horizontal ducts (outside air, exhaust air, return air, supply air)
• Housing: galvanized, corrosion-resistant steel cabinet
• Approximate dimensions: about 16" D × 22 13/16" W × 18 7/8" H
• Approximate weight: about 45 lb
• Core type: hygroscopic membrane ERV core, treated for mold resistance with built-in frost prevention mode
• Filtration: MERV 13 filter (model FV-FL1316VE1) included; compatible with optional MERV 8 (FV-FL0815VE1) and washable MERV 6 (FV-FL0616VE1) filters
• Controls & accessories: on-board digital control panel; compatible with Panasonic BalancedHome wall control and WhisperControl® low-voltage timer for boost
• Installation options: wall- or ceiling-mount using included brackets; chain suspension possible with separate hardware
• Certifications & codes: ENERGY STAR® certified (Canada); supports compliance with ASHRAE 62.2, Ontario Building Code and common green-building programs
• Warranty: 6-year warranty on ECM motors and 3-year warranty on other parts (per Panasonic)

What’s included

• Panasonic BalancedHome™ Elite Plus+ 160 CFM ERV unit (FV-16VEC1S, side ports)
• Factory-installed MERV 13 supply/exhaust filter pack
• Integrated 6" duct collars
• Wall/ceiling mounting brackets
• Factory power cord and hardwire conversion kit
• Installation and operating documentation from Panasonic

Common questions

• How does this ERV perform in Canadian winters?
  The BalancedHome 160 Elite Plus+ ERV is engineered for any North American climate zone and includes frost prevention modes plus a hygroscopic core that recovers heat and moisture. It has published performance data at freezing and sub-zero temperatures, making it suitable for Canadian winter operation when installed per Panasonic’s guidelines.
• Can I use this ERV with a heat pump or ductless mini-splits?
  Yes. This ERV is often paired with ductless and central heat pumps to provide balanced fresh air in homes that no longer rely on a furnace fan. The 30–160 CFM range lets your installer match ventilation to your home’s size and your regional code requirements.
• How often should I change the filters?
  Panasonic recommends inspecting ERV filters about every 90 days and replacing them roughly every 6 months, or more often in dusty environments or high-pollen seasons. Using the OEM MERV 13 and MERV 8 filter options maintains airflow and efficiency while protecting the core.
• How do I know what size ERV my home needs?
  The right model depends on your home’s floor area, layout, and local code requirements. The BalancedHome 160 is a great fit for many Canadian detached homes and townhomes, but smaller suites or larger custom homes may need different airflow ranges. Review the sizing examples in our Best Panasonic ERV Systems in Canada (2025) guide or contact us with your plans for a project-specific recommendation.

Want to compare other capacities and port configurations? Browse all Panasonic ERV models for Canadian homes and suites .

Looking for more Panasonic IAQ solutions? Explore our full Panasonic ventilation and indoor air quality collection .